About 261 Ypsilanti Community Schools seniors made history Tuesday night as they became the first class to receive their diplomas from the year-old school district.

"Many outside of Ypsilanti said it couldn't be done," said Board of Education President David Bates to the graduates. "But Willow Run knew it could be done and did it. Ypsilanti knew it could be done and did it. You are Ypsilanti and we are proud of you."

As Kevin and Charlene Chambers of Ypsilanti watched the ceremonies, they were reminded of what had been—and how far things have come.

Growing up in Ypsilanti, Kevin Chambers had graduated as an Ypsilanti Brave and his wife, Charlene, had graduated as a Willow Run Flyer.

When Ypsilanti Public Schools consolidated with Willow Run Community Schools a year ago, the couple's youngest son, Khyre Chambers, 18, became the first Grizzly in the family.

Though the past year has been a year of transition for Ypsilanti schools, Kevin Chambers he's proud of the way the community has responded.

"This might be just what the doctor ordered to save the school district," Kevin Chambers said.

Pride was strong Tuesday night as school administrators congratulated the senior class on their accomplishments. About 261 seniors received their diplomas Tuesday at the Convocation Center at Eastern Michigan University.

Ypsilanti Community High School Principal Justin Jennings started the evening by taking selfies with the senior class from the stage.

"I am so proud of what you represent for our community as this first graduating class of Ypsilanti Community High School," Superintendent Scott Menzel said.

Associate Superintendent Laura Lisiscki, who will lead the district next school year, thanked the families and students present for sticking with the district through the transition.

"We've had some challenges," Lisiscki said. "Everyone here has shown the perseverance, the will and the dedication to make YCS 1.0 a success."

Senior Jazzmine Hubbard, 18, of Ypsilanti said things got "serious" during the past school year as a result of the consolidation—to the point that she didn't think it was a good idea. Senior Farah Zeidan, 17, of Ypsilanti, said that there were some fights at YCHS—but overall, everyone got along.

Class valedictorians Debrieana Jackson and Bree Marich each challenged their peers to look forward and to put the past behind them during their respective speeches Tuesday.

Ypsilanti Community Schools offers multiple learning community options for students: The Early College Alliance at EMU graduated 24 students, the STEMM program graduated 22 students, University High School graduated 103 students, Widening Advancement for Youth graduated 29 students and Ypsilanti New Tech graduated 83 students.

The class of 2014 is also the inaugural graduating class for Ypsilanti New Tech.

State Rep. David Rutledge, D-Ypsilanti, gave the keynote address Tuesday night. Using a metaphorical pre-flight checklist, Rutledge offered advice to the graduates.

"Take no excess baggage," Rutledge said. "If there's something keeping you awake at night, cut it loose. If there's someone doing something to you, not for you, cut it loose."

Rutledge also encouraged the graduates to unplug every once in a while from their electronic devices to be able to hear their true selves.

"My greatest fear is that we are so bombarded with stuff that it interferes with our navigation system," Rutledge said.

Rutledge recalled a time when he was playing golf with a friend—an activity he said he turns to when he wants to disconnect from his mobile devices. About to take a sip from his pop, Rutledge said he heard a voice tell him to blow on the pop can—and he did. A bee flew out of the can and Rutledge said that action saved his life.